(Newser)
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A mandatory weeklong curfew was imposed on Baltimore after a day of chaos, violence, and looting yesterday. As fires continued to burn last night, including a huge one at a senior center under construction, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced the 10pm-to-5am curfew that will begin tonight, CNN reports. "It's idiotic to think that by destroying your city, you're going to make life better for anybody," she said. A state of emergency has been declared, the National Guard has been activated, and police say 1,500 state troopers were on the streets last night, the Baltimore Sun reports. In other developments:

Gov. Larry Hogan says he is requesting another 5,000 law enforcement officers from neighboring states. National Guard commander Linda Singh says they will be out in "massive force," with up to 5,000 on the streets, but says the city will not be under martial law, the BBC reports.

Last night's Orioles game was called off, schools have canceled classes today, and many downtown employers, which closed early yesterday, plan to keep their doors shut today, the Sun reports.

At least two dozen people have been arrested and 15 police officers have been injured, six of whom are still hospitalized in serious condition, CBS Baltimore reports. Police say the officers were hurt by flying debris, including cinder blocks.

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch—hours after she was sworn in—slammed the "senseless acts of violence" and said the Justice Department "stands ready to provide any assistance that might be helpful," CNN reports.

Among buildings that were burned: a community center and under-construction apartments for seniors in East Baltimore; the three-alarm blaze could be seen at a distance of several blocks, reports the Sun.

The Sun describes rampant looting, conveying one scene in which men used a crowbar to open the trunk of a cop car as others took selfies on its roof. Still others looted a CVS and local grocery, leaving with garbage bags stuffed with "diapers, bleach, snack foods, prescription drugs."

One more detail from the Sun: It reports the mayhem was preceded by a "flier" posted on social media that referenced a "purge," a nod to a movie in which crime is legal for a day.

A man rides a bicycle through heavy smoke that is emitting from a nearby store on fire, Monday, April 27, 2015, during unrest following the funeral of Freddie Gray in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

So due to pathetic political correctness the cops are told to step back and watch this idiotic race perpetrate this on their country? Enough of the wondering why Americans feel the need to own guns and protect themselves. Failed liberal policies are going to be the final nail in our coffin!

ddhartma

Apr 28, 2015 1:19 PM CDT

Can anyone share what the significant positive results were that came from the Ferguson riots and looting? And what has been the overall benefits of these actions within the community? I mean obviously this tactic works, or else they wouldn't be doing this in Baltimore would they?

ddhartma

Apr 28, 2015 1:10 PM CDT

I've got an idea. Since many on here have now turned against the cops, and many of the same ones, are wanting to get rid of legalized guns, perhaps what we need to do is get rid of both. Then we can all just sit in a corner and hide from all of the criminals that the cops protect us from and/or the legal gun owner has been able to defend themselves from.